Arlington guard rebukes Hegseth group for laughing at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Veterans Day
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On Veterans Day, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump attended a commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery. After a group photo, Hegseth, his wife Jennifer Rauchet, and some companions ascended the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when loud laughter was heard. A guard in parade uniform loudly reprimanded the group, saying, "All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," as seen in CNN footage. Hegseth and his companions briefly turned around before continuing. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, created in 1921, has been guarded around the clock since 1948 by soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment. Respect for veterans holds a prominent role in US political culture.
Source report
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and First Lady Melania Trump at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day. Source: Getty Images via AFP/KEVIN DIETSCH
On Veterans Day, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US President Donald Trump attended a commemorative ceremony. At the national cemetery, the group was loudly reprimanded by a guard.
A group of visitors accompanying US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth was called to order at Arlington National Cemetery for inappropriate behavior — of all days, on Veterans Day. After a group photo, Hegseth, his wife Jennifer Rauchet, and several companions ascended the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier when loud laughter broke out. A guard loudly reprimanded the group, as seen in footage from CNN.
"All visitors must maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times," the soldier in dress uniform called out before turning away again. Hegseth and his companions briefly turned around before continuing on their way.
Guarded Around the Clock Since 1948
For Veterans Day, Hegseth, President Donald Trump, and other government members were present at a commemorative ceremony at the national cemetery near Washington. Respect for veterans — both living and fallen — holds an outstanding role in US political culture.
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According to the national cemetery, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most famous landmark of the vast grounds. It was created in 1921 in honor of an unknown fallen soldier from World War I and has since served as the central memorial of the US armed forces.
According to the cemetery administration, the first guards were dispatched to the memorial in 1925 following incidents of disrespectful behavior. Since 1948, guards from the Third Infantry Regiment have patrolled there around the clock.
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Sentinel Reprimands Hegseth and Entourage at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier